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NASB | 2 Timothy 2:15 Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, accurately handling the word of truth. |
AMPLIFIED 2015 | 2 Timothy 2:15 Study and do your best to present yourself to God approved, a workman [tested by trial] who has no reason to be ashamed, accurately handling and skillfully teaching the word of truth. |
Bible Question:
Believers are usually encouraged to be like Bereans to examine what has been preached to us with the Scriptures. Unlike traditional music ministry where a choir sing classical hymn, contemporary style incorporates modern hymns (many of their lyrics are more or less problematics), prayers, scripture reading and a bit sharing by the leader. In order to guard against what will be said is unbiblical or man-centred or wholly emotional driven, should the pastoral office exercise a certain level of control such as requiring the submission of the transcript and modern hymns beforehand? Though it is not as intensive as a pastor preaching on the pulpit, the contemporary worship style still has the function of teaching/preaching to the congregation. How should we balance the "freedom of speech", "trust" and "accountability" as per James 3:1? Thanks and Shalom Azure |
Bible Answer: Hello Azure, I am with you on the Berean thought. The word pastor is from the Latin word for shepherd. And I will give you pastors according to mine heart, which shall feed you with knowledge and understanding. (Jer 3:15) So, it is one of the many duties of a pastor to 'feed' the flock. I n my case, he feeds me the 'bread of life.' The pastor also 'feeds the worship team leader in advance of the message, which key words or phrases he would like to match up in the music. Also, the pastor, as a minister to the people is often held accountable by the deacons and elders so that he does not stray from the doctrines which are espoused. The church leaders often get feedback from the members, and I have gone more than once to give praise or concerns about the selection of music, once, when the lyrics contained too much of what "I" will do for God, and not enough actual worship and praise. The words in Jam 3:1 were not meant to forbid us from doing what we can to help our leaders, or instruct others in their duty or even check them in a Christian way if they are in a conspicuous fault. Remember, we are all called to be priests, of the highest order, and to shirk this duty when it arises would be worse -at least in my eyes- than doing something about it,(kindly) that is, after prayerful consideration. Do you agree? Charis, keliy |